Update as of June 1, 2026: Another delay: The commercial launch of the TGV M, previously scheduled for July 1, 2026, has now been set for the start of the school year, in early September 2026. On May 29, 2026, the train successfully obtained its marketing authorization from the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), the final administrative step before it enters service. Pre-commercial test runs without passengers will take place throughout the summer, allowing for final adjustments under real-world conditions on the network. In terms of deliveries, SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom plan to have 2 trains in service by June, 6 trains by the end of August, and 13 trains in operation by the end of 2026.
Update as of December 15, 2025: Originally scheduled for early 2026, the launch of the TGV M trains has finally been announced for July 1, 2026. On December 9, SNCF Voyageurs submitted its application for market authorization for the TGV M to the European Railways Agency (ERA). This milestone marks the start of a pre-operational testing phase and confirms a new timeline. Although they were originally expected to be ready for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the TGV M trains are ultimately facing a two-year delay, due in particular to production delays at Alstom and a certification process that took longer than expected. Of the 115 trains ordered by the SNCF, 4 will enter service in the summer of 2026 on the Southeast line. That number will increase to 8 in September, before reaching 13 trains in service by the end of 2026.
More spacious, more modern, more accessible, more economical, and more environmentally friendly? That’s the ambitious promise of the TGV M: the SNCF’s new generation of high-speed trains. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, our reporters had the chance to take a look inside the train ahead of its official debut on the tracks. by September 2026 on the Paris–Lyon–Marseille line. So, in practical terms, what can you expect? A ride on the “train of the future.”
That’s it. After nearly ten years of development, the project is finally coming to fruition. We were already familiar with the new blue-white-red color scheme of the TGV inOui trains, designed to embody French elegance. But on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom unveiled for the first time Inside the TGV M.
© HOURRAIL! - There was quite a crowd at the unveiling ceremony at Gare de Lyon in Paris!
With its “M” standing for “Modularity,” the TGV M was designed to adapt to the changing needs of passengers. More flexible and efficient, it’s also more eco-friendly, consuming 20% less energy than previous generations, while being 97% recyclable. David Goeres, head of the TGV M project (who joined us to share a behind-the-scenes look on our podcast "Want a drag?") states: “The TGV M is designed to be scalable, adaptable, and to support the transformation of mobility over the next 30 years.” To learn more and check out the podcast episode, we've got all the details in this article.
A true “little technological gem,” according to executives at SNCF and the manufacturer Alstom. Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, specifically referred to a “fifth generation of TGVs that will make a lasting impression and to be the benchmark for high-speed rail in the coming decades". The innovation was also praised by the Minister of Transportation, who emphasized how proud he is to have such a great rail industry in France (and we have to agree with him!)."
A major breakthrough: the TGV M will be the first train fully accessible to people with limited mobility who can travel independently! This is excellent news, especially considering how much of a challenge traveling by train can be for people with disabilities. Via a small walkway and an elevator, up to 5 wheelchairs will have access to the wheelchair-accessible car. Passengers will also be able to order food and drinks from their seats and make their way to the wheelchair-accessible restrooms on their own.
© HOURRAIL! - The Car for People with Disabilities
Romain, also known as Roro the Strong On social media, he points out: “It’s clear that it was Designed by and for those affected“. Nine organizations were reached out to for input on the project, and you can really tell! We can now be completely independent, and that’s nothing short of a revolution for us.”
© HOURRAIL! Finally, a fully equipped, accessible restroom at the back of the car
Bye bye the bar car, hello The bistro! For this two-story space, the designers focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere, and we can only applaud that choice. Conceived by the Arep agency (a subsidiary of SNCF Gares et Connexion) in collaboration with Nendo (a Japanese design firm), the “bistrO TGV inOui” will be open to the public on two levels :
© HOURRAIL! - There's something for everyone.
© HOURRAIL! - A bistro... just like a traditional bistro!
Notice to avid cyclists: It will also be possible to bring 6 bicycles in second class and 2 bicycles in first class.
No more excuses for not choosing a train-and-bike trip!
By the way, if you haven't taken the plunge yet, feel free to check out Tips from Bertrand and Marion, who came to tell us about their bike-and-train trip from Paris to Tokyo!
The capacity of the railcars, meanwhile, will increase, with 15 to 20% more seats than current trains. That's great news, especially since demand just keeps on rising!
As David Goeres explained to us, thanks to its modular design, the TGV M will be able to quickly switch between configurations Ouigo (740 seats) in a standard configuration InOui (600 seats, including first- and second-class seating). "What used to take weeks of work on the old trains can now be done in a single day by two employees. This is a huge time saver, but it also gives us an advantage in responding quickly to market needs."
But that doesn't mean comfort will be compromised: travelers will still have more legroom in second class, and The seats will be wider in first class (we'll tell you more here). With their “hammock effect,” the seats will be suitable for all body types. They’ll also include everything you need: storage space under the seats, headrests, a small tray for a glass or your smartphone, a 220-volt outlet and a USB port, lighting…
© HOURRAIL! - Comfort is guaranteed
First announced for the 2024 Paris Olympics, then for the summer of 2025, the train is expected to be released in 2026. In short, as our founder Benjamin puts it: “An exciting first look, which makes the wait—following the delays in its release—feel even longer…”
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
